I have rarely, if ever, worn black. My complexion is fair, my undertones are warm, and the older I get, the fewer favors black does for me.
However (true confession), I am inordinately jealous of people who can wear black, because it is the easiest color to mix and match. If you’re trying to travel light or have a streamlined wardrobe, black is the way to go.
I do occasionally wear gray because at work, the corporate merch is gray, and so I’ve incorporated that a bit into my wardrobe. But my neutral go-to has always been brown, although at times, that color has been hard to find. So, imagine my joy when I read that, according to the all-knowing style people, brown is having a moment this season. I was hooraying hither and yon about that news until the truth hit me.
Brown is not just . . . brown.
There are myriad shades of it–far more than I ever knew. So when I buy something brown, thinking it will match so well with what I already have, I am usually disappointed.
This photo illustrates my point.
I will continue on my search for rarely-matching browns and try not to be too jealous of all the women who look good in the always-matching black.
Steve took this photo while coming out of a store. Belle is almost always on the lookout, scanning the area for items of interest and potential danger. She then reports her findings to Tinker, who is usually hunkered down out of sight, pondering whatever it is he is always pondering.
Steve took them to be groomed last week. Don’t they look like dog models?
One night last week, he was opening a package and was being given intense attention by his pup posse. They love their dad.
This is what I see when I come down the hall in the morning after getting ready for work: two canines, waiting to greet me. Belle always arranges herself on the pile of blankets so that she can better maintain her princessly persona.
Friday night, Nathan and Meagan had a date night and and the grandkids stayed overnight with us. Even though my energy is always low after they leave, my heart is always full.
Noah came over for a couple of days before the siblings joined us so he could do some work for Steve. He especially loves the riding lawn mower. When Steve texted this picture to Nathan and Meagan, Meagan said, “He looks like a mini grandpa!” That made me laugh because he really does, wearing all the same gear Steve always does.
Andrew volunteered to help Steve with the dishes after Friday’s dinner. (Belle pitched in, as well.)
Steve was going to show Andrew how he washes the travel mug I use for protein shakes, but got a little silly in the process. He gravely held up the scrub brush and said, “Andrew, this is what I use to clean my nose.”
I somehow managed to take the photo at just the right moment and caught Andrew’s thoroughly disgusted (and disbelieving) face. The face was followed by the protest, “Grandpa!!”
This was the sight that greeted me Saturday morning. Grayson had gotten out of bed early and carefully tucked himself back in on the couch without waking any of us. No wonder he’s one of my favorite grandsons!
Recently, I took a second jaunt through the Blue Ridge Mountains since I knew the leaves were on their way out.
During my meanderings, I discovered this house, and immediately thought that once Steve and I made our first billion, we could buy it and use it as a summer cottage.
Turns out, it’s not for sale. It belongs to the National Park Service, and its 3,600 acres are available to anyone to enjoy.
There were only half a dozen people around when I was there, and I loved just standing completely still and hearing nothing at all, except for what the family heard back in 1901 . . . the combination of nature’s magnificant sounds and its silence.
I got to thinking of how difficult it would be to build a house like that before there were roads and trucks, and forklifts. I did a little reading on it and found the whole story to be so fascinating. (Article here.)
This photo is by Mark Neil Silber. Can you imagine sitting on this front porch over a hundred years ago and seeing this? Amazing.
I came across this question recently and wanted to ask it here on the blog. That question is: “What could you talk about for 15 minutes with no prep? My answer would probably be songwriting.
It’s been interesting working in a building with younger co-workers. One thing that has struck me is how many of the younger generation do not know how to mail a letter, as far as knowing where to put the stamp and the address. They’ll come up to the desk to ask for my help, which, of course, I am happy to give. But then I think, “I am so old and they are so young.” I remember when stamps were eight cents. That was a long time ago.
You all know about Steve’s propensity for repurposing things as he works on projects around the house. Well, this time he has outdone himself.
On the deck gates, it wasn’t readily apparent where to push or pull, and so Steve got the idea of putting a knob on each side of the gate to make it clearer.
Look at these lovely knobs that he and Noah built. Aren’t they impressively shaped and stained?
You’ll never believe where they came from!
They were repurposed from the handle of an ancient toilet plunger that Ken had used around the house for a few decades. Steve cut the handle into pieces, and then he and Noah shaped and stained them. Now, whenever he goes through the gate, he can think of his dad . . . plunging the Smith toilets.
And just when you thought he couldn’t get any more creative, he asked Andrew what he would like to build while he was at our house. Andrew replied, “A honey badger.” (I’m not sure where he came up with that particular animal.) Steve, never one to back down from a challenge, took the last remaining piece of the handle and helped Andrew put on a tail and some ears and presto! A (semblance of) a honey badger.
Steve goes to the dermatologist every six months since his dad had a lot of skin cancer, and Steve was diagnosed with it twice before. Last week, he was once again diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma and will need to see a plastic surgeon for further treatment. Even though basal cell carcinoma isn’t as serious as melanoma, the Academy of Dermatology says:
This is your Public Service Announcement for the day. If you haven’t seen a dermatologist in a while, please don’t put it off!
You may or may not have noticed, but for the first time in at least ten years, there are no ads on the blog. Hooray!
As we head into Thanksgiving week, I’ll close with this wonderful quote
The grateful heart is like a magnet sweeping over the day, collecting reasons for gratitude. –Max Lucado
What about you?
What could you speak about for 15 minutes without any preparation?
Had you already noticed there weren’t ads on the blog?
What’s the cheapest stamp price you remember?
What are your favorite neutrals? If you wear brown, have you ever noticed that there are so many shades?
Do you have a dish you make for holidays that everybody always requests each year? What is it?
I am very very white with a pinky tone to my white. Strawberry blonde hair and green eyes. I wear black all the time because it’s easy and hides my, um, fluff. I would LOVE to wear lots of color but I’m overweight and feel like it draws too much attention to my belly and other unsightly areas. One day…sigh.
I love that Steve always finds ways to reuse things to make other useful things! How fun!! And great conversation starters. “You know that gate handle you just touched? Well it used to plunge toilets!” 🤣
I had BCC on my upper lip in 2017. I have a scar from my nose to my lip now but the plastic surgeon was so good no one ever notices it unless I’m hot because my face gets so red and the scar is so white it basically glows then! I see my dermatologist at least once a year now unless something pops up in between visits. I don’t take skin cancer lightly at all! I actually just got great news that 2 spots I had biopsied are not cancerous! Such a relief!!!
Lizz,
I know; I also love the fact that black is slimming and hides a multitude of fluffiness. With strawberry blonde hair and green eyes, I’m sure it looks great on you!
So glad you have been diligent about your dermatologists visits. So many people don’t take those seriously and end up with serious situations that could have been avoided. And how great you had a plastic surgeon who was so skilled he could hide scar in a very noticeable place. And hooray for two spots that were not cancerous. Big hallelujah!
I could probably speak about teaching without prep for a long time. I would focus on classroom management and relationships being the most important part of being a teacher. I can wear black, but I rarely do. I like color. I love how much time Steve spends with those sweet grands! They will never forget him or the time he spent with them. What a blessing!
Wishing you and your family, a wonderful Thanksgiving, full of delicious food, bountiful, blessings, and precious family.
Lisa,
Being able to teach without prep is quite a talent! I love your thought that relationships are the most important part of being a teacher; that is so true. I’m glad you like color because I think that kids like looking at a teacher who is not wearing dark colors.
Yes, those memories Steve and Noah are making are so good for both of them. And it makes me happy to think of all the skills Noah will carry forward in life because of these times with his grandpa. Hope your Thanksgiving was a good one!
I could talk for 15 minutes about childhood cancer and the need for awareness.
It seems like I remember stamps being 10 cents. Wow….now they’re 74 cents. I do everything I can not to use one. 🙁
I’m not much of a brown fan. I much prefer grey or black, and I have plenty of both.
Our favorite holiday dish has to be the stuffing! I can’t eat it any longer but the entire family enjoys it!
Noah is really a big help to Steve. He’ll remember these times for the rest of his life.
Your picture of the Blue Ridge Mountains is stunning!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!🦃
Lee Anne,
I do love dressing, of course, depending on the recipe used. There have got to be innumerable recipes for that one dish alone! (My favorite is real mashed potatoes and fabulous gravy.)
Yes, Noah has reached that age where he is actually a genuine help; it is great for Steve to have those extra hands and that young strength. And you’re right — they are making memories they will both remember for a long time.
I hate to break it to you, but stamps are actually .78 now! Can you believe it?
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
What a beautiful house you came across during your jaunt among the Blue Ridge Mountains…I really enjoyed all the cute photos of Tinker & Belle…Nice handles on the gates and what a fun thought every time they’re used…Something I could speak on for 15 minutes would be my home state of West Virginia (all these many years later I can still name all 55 counties in alphabetical order as I learned in 8th grade WV History class)…I seldom notice ads so I didn’t notice they were gone…I don’t remember any postage rates although I do remember prices going up ofter, and I’m thankful they’ve gone to the Forever stamp…I’ve always liked browns and tans and creams, but you are correct about the many shades of each…the main holiday dish I make is my Grandma Mary’s broccoli cassaole. It’s quite yummy but for some reason, I rarely make it any other time of year….I can really relate to your comments about working around younger people – many of my co-workers at my high school are the same ages as my children…I hope you and your family have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
SueEllen,
You can name all 55 WV counties in alphabetical order? I’m sure there aren’t many people who can claim that talent!
I love that your Grandma Mary’s bcroccoli casserole still has a place of honor at holiday gatherings.And maybe the fact that you don’t make it at other times of the year makes it even more special.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy that broccoli!
I do wear black and grey – since my hair is grey, it does seem to go well. Yes, so many different browns AND blues. Didn’t realize I had different shades of blue slacks. So, of course I have to buy tops that match! Really don’t enjoy talking a lot, but maybe thrift stores could get me started. Love those knobs. I too have a husband that is a “Jack of all trades”. He says master of none. Does not like to do plumbing, but has done it. Well, I’m really old – stamps, I think earliest was either 2 or 4 cents. Also remember penny post cards. I do like a strange color – taupe. It can go with different colors. Don’t have any dish folks ask for but lefse (Norweign flat bread) is a must. Also scalloped corn. Making for the first time this year – cherry pie. Not with canned cherries but frozen sour cherries. It won a Pillsbury bake-off. Also Apple and banana cream. Daughter is bringing Mac and Cheese. May each of you have a blessed Thanksgiving. You are all loved and appreciated.
Sharyn,
Yes, gray definitely looks wonderful with gray hair! And yes, I agree; taupe seems to be a pretty versatile color. I have a few pieces of clothing in that color.
I had to look up lefse because I had no idea what it even looked like. From the description and pictures, I think I would really enjoy it. And you can’t go wrong with a Pillsbury bake-off recipes; I hope it turns out great for you!
Enjoy food and family and all the blessings–including your Jack of all trades hubby!
Love the repurposed handles. My dad would have done the same.
I could talk for 15 minutes about quilting, S
sea glass, or Montana, three of my favorite things.
Yeah for no ads. I didn’t notice, but tend to ignore them anyway.
I remember 4 cent stamps. Still have many in my stamp collecting book, which is another lost art.
I think I have more blues, and like brown there are way to many shades. My new favorite color is light olive green, another hard color to match.
In CA my sister-in-laws nieces always requested “the white stuff” which was “Frog Eye Salad”. It is very good, but sadly people in MI aren’t even willing to try it. I have called it different things, but it still goes untried. It makes such a big batch I rarely make it, but sometimes do because I love it so much. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Patti,
I have seen Frog Eye Salad on a restaurant menu before and was curious about it. I just looked it up and was surprised to see its base is pasta! You have to give points for creativity to whoever came up with the name.
You and my sister, Ruth, would get along well in the stamp-collecting department. She loves all kinds of stamps and makes bookmarks out of them.
Quilting, sea glass, and Montana. Quite an impressive range of subjects you’re able to talk about!
As always, I love The Thing Posts!
I could talk for 15 minutes about “knowing your worth” in the workplace.
A first-class stamp was a dime when I started writing and sending my own letters. 🙂
My neutral is black – and there are soooo many shades of black! Just like your brown! There are blacks with blue or red or yellow undertones and they rarely match!!
Sweet potato casserole is my most-requested (or demanded by my daughter! Haha) side dish. It’s topped with chopped pecans – no marshmallows. 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Stephanie,
Well, you have officially blown my mind.
Black has different shades? And they rarely matched? I never would have guessed. I guess now I can stop being jealous of people who wear black–so thank you for that! 🙂
I love your 15-minute topic and would love to hear you talk on it. Such an important subject.
I’m sure your sweet potato casserole is fabulous especially topped with pecans, which I adore. Happy Thanksgiving!